Hopeful Futures
Obed shared that he was ready to change. Unfortunately I didn’t believe him, but I gave him the opportunity to prove himself by inviting him to come to my house the next day and discuss it further.
Long-Lasting Fruits of the Mission
Raul, was a local butcher, who helped Genie when she came to the store to buy their family’s meat. Genie constantly invited him to come to their weekly prayer meetings, but Raul couldn’t be bothered. He worked hard to provide for his family, but he was not what you’d call a family man.
The Sweet Sound of the Good News
It was a wonderful affirmation to me of how important it is to reach out to the children in places like Taiwan who, by virtue of their age, tend to have more “fertile ears” and are more open to receiving the message. It was a beautiful day in so many ways. The kids even tried to help teach us how to play their instruments!
Near Me
As a little girl, I could always tell when my mom had stubbed her toe. We would hear a crash from the other room followed by, “Praise you, Jesus!” Then, “I’m okay.” When I was learning the Ten Commandments, I asked her if that wasn’t using God’s name in vain? “No,” she answered decidedly. “I am choosing to praise God in my suffering. I really mean it.”
Do Not Say, “I Am Only a Child”
I love St. Patrick’s Day. He really inspires me. I am always awed by his story: to be kidnapped and enslaved, then escape, become a priest, and return as a missionary. He must have had some PTSD from his capture during which he endured many lonely years, probably abuse, and hardships of many other kinds.
A Bike Track in a Cow Pasture
When I first saw the land, I felt a bit discouraged. It was very overgrown with trees, bushes, tall grass, and brush everywhere. And there were cows and a horse living there. The spot he found for us to build was in a cow pasture! Well…at least the land would be leased to us free of charge, so I thought, let’s give it a try.
More Than Just a Handout
In an effort to assist the poor in a sustainable way, several missionaries have helped those in need to build their own sources of income. Starting a business can be a slow and patient process, but it’s also fairly straightforward and common in many of the countries in which we serve. People simply need some starting cash, perhaps a little training and guidance, and a good dose of encouragement.
When God Plans the Party
Our friend Eliomar had prepared a reflection which included two gifts—one wrapped like garbage and scribbled on, and the other wrapped beautifully with glittery ribbon. He asked two kid volunteers which one they wanted, and they both chose the beautiful one. He gave them the gifts and asked them to open them. Inside the beautiful one were nasty old fruit peels and garbage. Inside the scribbled package were chocolate and candy.
Hospitality: The School of Encounter
In one of our local tribal languages, Kichwa, the word for a stranger is “chikan” meaning “separated.” The meaning becomes especially relevant when we consider that the Church is asking all of us missionary-disciples to build “bridges that foster a culture of encounter.”
Celebrating the One Who Brings Hope
Each family that we visited had a uniquely devastating story. There is a man named Marco who for decades supported his family as a woodworker. In 2021, everything came to a grinding halt when Marco suffered a debilitating stroke.
Jesus Is Born: A Coopevega Christmas
When the long-awaited time came to open the presents, I couldn’t help but smile at the loud, enthusiastic sounds of ripping wrapping paper and happy exclamations that filled our packed gazebo. I knew for some of those kids this would be the only Christmas present they received this year—or possibly any year.
Awake Us from Our Slumber, O Lord!
Waking from our slumber and running down the long hallway to the front door was a bit scary. As I was trying to open the door, Gabriel yelled out, “God will save us.” Trying to dodge the fragments of adobe, plaster, and rocks falling from the walls and roofs above us was a sight to see.
His Fidelity and Our Desires
Growing up, I never imagined being a foreign missionary and serving in this way—but now I can’t imagine doing anything else!
Modern-Day Leprosy
When I arrived I found Ivan laying on the floor of his front room, naked and trembling. His teeth and all around his mouth were covered in dried blood. He was unable to formulate a sentence and rambled emotionally.
Introducing Intake 2021 // Part 2
We are pleased to introduce you to the missionaries of Intake 2021. They are currently in training at our home base in Louisiana and will be sent to serve in various parts of Latin America in January 2022. We’ve asked them to share some things about themselves so that you can get to know them a little. Please keep these new missionaries in your prayers.
Introducing Intake 2021 // Part 1
We are pleased to introduce you to the missionaries of Intake 2021. They are currently in training at our home base in Louisiana and will be sent to serve in various parts of Latin America in January 2022. We’ve asked them to share some things about themselves so that you can get to know them a little. Please keep these new missionaries in your prayers.
Answering the Call: All He Needs Is Our YES
At times I have questioned the Lord, “Why me? Why did you choose me to be your missionary to the ends of the earth?” I still don’t feel qualified. I still struggle and prefer comforts to sacrificing. I still don’t like getting up in front of people and giving talks, and I can’t lead music.
Answering the Call: Surrender to God’s Will
I heard the Lord’s gentle, persistent voice asking me to just let it go and give it back to Him. His ways are not our ways! I am so thankful that the Lord loves me enough to challenge me to remember where my worth and identity are really to be found—in His will!
